Monthly Archives: May 2018

Greetings from the excitement filled hallway of the UAS MS. As I write this article and I glance at the school calendar, I am in complete shock! The month of June is fast upon us, and As unbelievable as it may seem, the school year is quickly coming to an end. That said, there is still a lot of learning to be done, a lot of fun to be had, and we still have a lot of curriculum to cover, so hang on for a fast and frenzied ride to the finish line!! WOOHOO!!

As you know, the Holy month of Ramadan has begun. In recognition and celebration of Ramadan, I wanted to share with you some important facts recently provided to the entire staff by our Islamic Department.

Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims throughout the world. Beginning with the sighting of the new crescent moon. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives. The third “pillar” or religious obligation of Islam.

The month of Ramadan is a happy occasion; it is the month that the Muslim holy book, the Quran started revealing to Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Muslims are called by their religion to celebrate the month by coming together in worship, fasting each day for thirty days from dawn until sunset.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day. This means not consuming food and drink, including water, during the daylight hours. Smoking are also forbidden during fasting. For married adults, it also includes refraining from marital relations during the hours of fasting.

Muslims arise early in the morning during Ramadan to have a pre-dawn breakfast meal, known as “Suhoor”. At the end of the day, the fast is completed by taking the “Iftar” meal, which usually includes dates, fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner. Later in the evening, Muslims attend special night prayers called “Taraweeh” at their local mosque.

Ramadan is also a time of intensive worship, reading of the Qur’an, giving charity, purifying one’s behavior, and doing good deeds. As a secondary goal, fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate and learning to thankfulness and appreciation for all of God’s bounties.

Not only does the fasting have spiritual benefits. Abstaining from food periodically will aid the body in cleansing itself from impurities. Fasting allows the body to rid itself of poisonous substances that can lead to serious illness and disease.

The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by – the telling of a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind his back, a false oath, greed or covetousness. These are considered offensive at all times but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan.

Fasting is not an excuse. Although energy levels might be low, the point of fasting is not to slack off from our other duties and responsibilities. We believe that we are rewarded for continuing to work and produce during our fasts. Fasting is not a reason to push meetings or schedules.

Keep in mind that we’re fasting joyously (despite the tired look on our face). In fact, we wait for this month the whole year, so you don’t have to feel sorry for us. We are not trying to be rescued.

After the end of Ramadan, a very festive and joyous holiday is celebrated by Muslims, known as Eid-ul-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast. On the day of the Eid, Muslims attend special congregational prayers in the morning, wearing their nicest clothes and perfumes. Muslims greet and hug one another, saying “Eid Mubarak”, which means “Holiday Blessings.” Muslim families visit each other’s homes and have special meals together. Children are often rewarded with gifts, money, and sweets.

Ramadan Timetable

Parents should note that the we are currently operating under a revised Ramadan schedule. As you are likely aware, the UAS MS and HS are both utilizing a revised time table which you will find below. Students who are fasting have access to a quiet room during the lunch break to rest. A separate room is being provided for each or our 3 grade levels. Students who are not fasting have been asked to only eat or drink water/juice within our cafeteria. In addition, no outside play is allowed during Ramadan. MS students are allowed to go to the library, the cafeteria, or the quiet room for their grade level. Due to the expected high temperatures, students are allowed to go outside, but are certainly being discouraged from spending any length of time in the sun.

2018 MS/HS Ramadan Timetable

8:00AM to 1:00PM

MS timing

Length

Length

HS timing

HS

Period 1

8:00 – 8:45

45

45

8:00 – 8:45

Period 1

Period 2

8:50 – 9:35

45

45

8:50 – 9:35

Period 2

BREAK

9:35 – 9:50

15

15

9:35 – 9:50

BREAK

Period 3

9:55 – 10:40

45

45

9:55 – 10:40

Period 3

LUNCH

10:40 – 11:20

40

45

10:45 – 11:30

Period 4

Period 4

11:25 – 12:10

45

40

11:30 – 12:10

Lunch

Period 5

12:15 – 1:00

45

45

12:15 – 1:00

Period 5

ID Cards Only in the Cafeteria

Parents should note that cash is no longer being accepted in the cafeteria. In order to purchase food or drink in the cafeteria, students must have money in their account and present their own identification card to be electronically scanned. Several announcements have been made to our students, and they are also aware of this change in practice.

Thank you for your attention to these details. Until our paths cross in person, please take good care and may peace be upon you.

Our MS band and choir students performed upon the stage of the MPH last week, under the direction of Emma Gordon. Sharing the stage with Ms. Gordon was HS music teacher Lauren Corarito and her High School student musicians. Both the band and choir performances were simply sensational, and the UAS community has so very much for which to be proud. While Lauren is relatively new on the UAS music scene, Emma has been positively contributing and building our music program for several years. Bravo to both Emma and Lauren, and to the extraordinary and talented students who so memorably shared their gifts. The fruits of their labor were on full and impressive display last week, and the future clearly looks bright for the UAS fine arts programs!!! WOOHOOO!!

Ramadan Timetable

Parents should note that the we will be operating under a revised schedule later this week as Ramadan will begin. While the official starting day has yet to be announced, the UAS MS and HS are prepared with a revised time table which you will find below. Students who are fasting will be have access to a quiet room during the lunch break to rest. A separate room will be provided for each or our 3 grade levels. Students who are not fasting will be asked to only eat or drink water/juice within our cafeteria. In addition, no outside play will be allowed during Ramadan. MS students will be encouraged to go to the library, the cafeteria, or the quiet room for their grade level. Due to the expected high temperatures, students will be allowed to go outside, but certainly discouraged from spending any length of time in the sun.

2018 MS/HS Ramadan Timetable: 8:00AM to 1:00PM

MS

MS Timing

Length

Length

HS Timing

HS

Period 1

8:00 – 8:45

45

45

8:00 – 8:45

Period 1

Period 2

8:50 – 9:35

45

45

8:50 – 9:35

Period 2

BREAK

9:35 – 9:50

15

15

9:35 – 9:50

BREAK

Period 3

9:55 – 10:40

45

45

9:55 – 10:40

Period 3

LUNCH

10:40 – 11:20

40

45

10:45 – 11:30

Period 4

Period 4

11:25 – 12:10

45

40

11:30 – 12:10

Lunch

Period 5

12:15 – 1:00

45

45

12:15 – 1:00

Period 5

Thank you for your attention to these details. Until our paths cross in person, please take good care and may peace be upon you.

Parents should note that May 6-10 is designated as Teacher Appreciation Week. So, this week I pause to recognize the amazing educators within the UAS Middle School. In honor of these talented and dedicated teachers, I offer the following tribute.

MOLDERS OF THE FUTURE – by Margaret O’Rourke

Most folks well worth the money

have statues carved in stone.

But teachers mold their monuments

in living flesh and bone.

The student who goes out in life

and makes well know name,

Admits unto the heart of it all,

some teacher shares the fame.

I never hear a pianist

with talent true and rare,

But in the shadows, I can see,

a teacher standing there.

No skillful doctor ever saved

the lives of human kind,

Without the seeds some teacher stored

within the fertile mind.

No actor, writer, carpenter,

no boxer, you’ll allow,

Pursues his chosen field unless

some teacher showed him how.

Lawyers, doctors, engineers,

all who are beloved by men.

Remember what some teacher taught

and quote it now and then.

Yes, teachers mold their monuments.

They build them year by year.

Not like the ancient pyramids

so awesome and austere,

Which time and time will wear away;

but spurning solemn stone,

Our teachers mold eternally

in living flesh and bone.

Every day I count my blessings for having the privilege of working with an enthusiastic, committed, and exceptional group of educators at the UAS MS. Our students are very lucky to be in their care, and as a parent of this awesome school, you should feel fortunate to have the MS teachers guiding your child. So, in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, I encourage you to thank a teacher this week, and remember that your child’s life has been forever impacted by their influence, their nurturing nature, and their guidance.

The MS/HS Music Programs Have Arrived!!!

Our band and choir students under the direction of Ms. Emma Gordon will be sharing the stage with their HS counterparts in two separate concerts this week. On Monday, May 7, the MS/HS choirs will have their talents fully displayed, while their MS/HS instrumental counterparts will sound off on Wednesday, May 9. Both concerts are free to the public and will be held in the MPH starting from 6:30 PM. I hope you can plan to attend! See you there!!!!

Thank you for your attention to these details. Until our paths cross again, please take good care and may peace be upon you.